Polio Fight Is A National Responsibility, Says Minister

1 min read

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on 12th March announced that polio eradication would be considered as a national res­ponsibility and vowed to take all possible steps during his tenure to make the country free of the virus.

He expressed these views during a visit to the National Emergency Ope­rations Centre (NEOC) for Polio where he chaired a meeting to review the government efforts for polio eradication.

While briefing him on the current status of polio campaign and challenges, officials informed the mi­­n­­ister that a total of 74 po­­lio cases — the highest nu­­mber of cases since 2021 — were reported last year. However, the situation has improved with only six cases being detected from across the country so far this year, the officials said.

It was highlighted that a comprehensive strategy was devised in collaboration with the provinces to eliminate polio. All necessary measures are being taken to curb the spread of the virus.

Calling for national uni­ty and collective action to ensure the success of this mission, Mr Kamal stated, “Ending polio is our national responsibility, and we will accelerate our efforts to protect children from lifelong disability.”

He reaffirmed strong commitment to making Pakistan polio-free, decla­ring, “With determination and collaboration, we will overcome this challenge, and I will strive to see Pakistan free from polio during my tenure.”

Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, invades ner­vous system, and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the mo­­­st effective way to prot­ect children from this crippling disease. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio free.

Earlier on his arrival at the emergency centre, the health minister was recei­ved by NEOC leadership. PM’s Focal Pe­­rson for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq was also present.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025

Previous Story

What Are The Rules For Obtaining Custody Of Children After Divorce?

Next Story

Appalling Air Quality

Latest from Blog

Biological Fathers Must Support Kids Born Out Of Wedlock, Rape: LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that biological fathers are financially responsible for children born out of wedlock or as a result of rape, provided their paternity is established. Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad issued a 15-page detailed verdict on a petition, filed by Muhammad Afzal, directing the trial…

Minor Boy Sexually Assaulted

CHAK JHUMRA: A seven-year-old boy was allegedly subjected to sexual assault. According to the complaint filed by the mother of the victim, her son from her late husband was assaulted when her husband was away at work while she had stepped out for some errands. She said Ali Raza, a…

Sale Of Toy Guns Crackers Banned

PESHAWAR. District administration of Peshawar has imposed Section 144, banning sale and purchase of toy guns and fire crackers . The administration has warned that the strict action would be taken against those violating the ban. The decision has been taken due to the law and order situation in the…

Education: A Ruthless Enterprise

A glaring injustice of this sector is the persistent and disproportionate increase in tuition fees. Education, the cornerstone of progress and national prosperity, is an inherent right of every individual. However, the private education sector has transformed into a ruthless commercial enterprise, prioritising financial gains over intellectual nourishment. Often referred…

Educating Inmate’s Children

Studies show that children with a parent in prison are often at greater risk of discrimination. The judicial system of Pakistan leaves behind a sorry trail of distress for families of convicts, including financial strain, emotional turmoil and increased hardships for children. With little to no social or governmental support…
Go toTop